Maquoketa is a small town located in Jackson County with a population of 6,141 according to the 2010 census. Maquoketa sits right in between the Quad Cities and Dubuque which make a quick trip to either location for events and get away spots.

History The first permanent European-American settlers at this location arrived in 1838. The site was on the banks of the Maquoketa River at the junction of the Davenport-Dubuque mail and stage route with the east-west route that pioneers used going west. Because of the river, there was also waterpower available to operate mills. Originally, the community was named Springfield. However, due to the large number of towns with this name, it was changed to Maquoketa in 1844. The name is derived from Indian words that, according to different sources, mean bear, little bear, or Bear River. The town was incorporated in 1853.

Maquoketa CommunityNicknamed the Timber City, the town covers an area of 3.45 square miles. Maquoketa enjoys all of the economic benefits of being directly in between the Quad Cities and Dubuque. Each year Maquoketa host the Jackson County fair which brings everyone in the county together. Maquoketa offers small town living at its finest.

Attractions and EntertainmentMaquoketa and the surrounding area offer many attractions. The Jackson County Fair has been held at the fairgrounds since 1854. It attracts about 20,000 people every year. The area offers opportunities for hiking, boating, canoeing, biking, hunting, fishing, and camping. The Hurstville Lime Kilns, which were built in the 1870's and operated until the 1930's, are about two miles northwest of town. Beyond the kilns, the Maquoketa Caves State Park is six miles northwest of town. In addition, for nostalgia fans, Maquoketa has one of the few remaining operating drive-in movie theaters in the U.S.

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